Post Office Halts All Parcel Deliveries to the US Amid New Trade Rules

South Africans hoping to send care packages, online orders, or small business products to the United States are in for disappointment. The South African Post Office has suspended all outbound parcel services containing goods to the US with immediate effect, citing new trade regulations introduced by the Donald Trump administration.

What Has Changed

Until July 2025, US customs allowed international parcels to enter duty-free if their value was under $800. That allowance has now been scrapped. The removal means every incoming parcel will be subject to taxes, duties, and stricter processing, creating a backlog for postal systems around the world.

In response, the Post Office says it cannot process parcels under the new system until new mechanisms are in place. For now, only letters, documents, and exempt mail such as military deliveries will continue moving between South Africa and the US.

Parcels Already Sent

For those who already dropped off packages at Germiston’s international mail centre, the news is even more frustrating. Any parcels that cannot be processed under the new rules will not be forwarded they’ll be returned to the sender.

Why This Matters for South Africans

For a country like South Africa, where global e-commerce is growing and diaspora families often exchange gifts, parcels are more than just boxes. They represent trade opportunities, cultural connection, and in some cases, financial survival. The suspension leaves many scrambling for alternatives at a time when the cost of living and doing business is already high.

What Happens Next

The Post Office has not given a timeline for when parcel deliveries will resume, saying only that operations will restart once a new system is in place to comply with US regulations. Until then, South Africans are stuck between waiting it out or turning to costly private couriers.

For now, one thing is clear: sending a birthday gift, a bag of biltong, or a proudly South African craft item to loved ones in the US has just become a whole lot harder.

Source:SABC News

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